"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

Half-a-Million Views

Over the Memorial Day weekend this website hit another milestone, in being viewed over 500,000 times! By all indications, this is beyond remarkable for a personal blog. Let alone, this happening in just six short months. The wonderful thing is there is no sign that viewership is declining. To the contrary, it continues to grow. How can I ever thank you enough for keeping Ryan relevant?

Interesting Facts

All 50 states in the U.S.A. have strong readership.

The top 5 states are: Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, & Delaware.

Over 50 countries are represented by readers.

The top 5 countries are: United States, Germany, Canada, Ireland, & United Kingdom.

Only 0.6% of the time is a comment posted per view.

Each post averages 13.3 comments.

Visitors average around 3 minutes per visit on the site.

Visitors view an average of 2.93 pages per visit.

I’m not sure what this all means. I just found it interesting.

My Writing Style

I must tell you, I am floored by how many positive comments I receive about my lack of writing style. All accept me for what I am, whatever that is. Many describe me and my writing as “real and raw”, and this just might be the best definition. I feels right to me, anyhow. It’s certainly all too real…

You see, writing this blog helps me cope in ways I never imagined. It is my window into the real world, where I use to exist (and now and then step outside to smell and feel the seasons moving on). Granted, it is often painful to look out and see what Ryan and I are missing, but it reminds me that the world is not my existence alone. Happiness exists out there, in spite of everything within the prison of my home (and my mind).

Gone are carefree days, many nearly all hopes and dreams, and being able to reminisce about the past without heartache. Yes, my life has purpose. More purpose than ever, in fact. Still, living with purpose does not negate living with despair. For me, “purpose” is a pebble in my shoe that nags me with each step that I cannot stop this journey.

Purpose is a painful reminder.

Note: I’m not sure how this post turned from boosting to a major downer, but it did. Eh, just my “real and raw” essence, I suppose.

Comments

Ryan and your family are relevant and will continue to be relevant. Your journey has reached far beyond every corner of the United States and world. It is ingrained in our hearts. We are here for the duration and remain forever by your side.

Keep it real and raw, Ken, but don’t give up on hope. We are so glad that writing for your blog and knowing that there are so many people out here who read it and truly care help you cope. Keep pressing on with your purpose (a high calling indeed) and we’ll keep lifting you and your family up in prayer. We believe that God is in this journey with you and wants you to find happiness in this world again someday. Always here for you all <3

Ken, of course the main reason I check Ryan’s page daily is to find out about Ryan. Always hoping that we’ll hear about another movement or response. But I must admit that your ability to write exactly what your thinking has made me return time and time again. You and Ryan are both fighters and I respect that. We are always thinking about Ryan. We chat with alot of our customers and on a regular basis people will ask about our donation box on the counter “Ryan’s Rally”. Every day we are spreading the word about Ryan and encouraging people to check out your blog. You do a GREAT job letting us all know what is going on. Thank you!

Interesting that I woke up this morning with similar thoughts regarding life outside of our apartment which we see very little of. Our daughter is at the beach in Virginia with her husband and his family and well… I had to mentally slap myself in the face and instantly remember why what we do daily is more important than what goes on outside of our limited world. The word you used is relevant and I also use significant. When people are so easily discarded in the world today, thank you for making Ryan what he is… relevant and life changing for many… through your voice, and Sue’s equally important efforts. To say you both make a difference is inadequate.

He Ken, just checking in, at the beach now the the kids, internet is very poor and slow down here for us so I never have the patience or it. As I drove to the beach the other day, I thought about what your family has lost, it really hit me hard as I saw other families packed for the holiday weekend driving to the beach. Not sure Jon May, his family, the Vantrease family, the friends who watched as Jon and Austin attacked Ryan and Brian without stopping the attack, such as their friend Colin, can ever really appreciate the real prison sentence is on you and your family and not Jon and Austin. But enough of that!! An idea!! Pack up Ryan, his chair, the dogs, Sue, Kari and yourself while the construction is going on and come on down the ocean for a few days! We have two extra bedrooms with double beds, a full bath, outside showers,…oh Ryan would love an outside shower, we could use the towns beach wheelchairs. We have plenty of man power to lift and carry Ryan, the town has several beach wheelchairs to get him over the dune to the beach for a while, we have umbrellas, blenders, a great deck overlooking the canal, a hammock chair he would fit in perfect, how relaxing would that be for him or you!! The beach here is not crowded! Rarely more than one family deep, not like OC or Bethany. Hell, you will even have your private 24 hour on duty RN….ME! When can I pen in your reservation??…..oh did I day we had some cold beers for happy hour on the beach or deck????? Won’t take no for an answer, there are plenty of families down here with family members in one way or another with a physical disability, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a sunset (or sunrise) at the beach. Yippee, so excited!!!

Do. This. Or if you can’t go to the beach right now, find a way to get a vacation this summer. There is a way. There is. Find. It.

Having been a caregiver for years and years, I know that Ryan’s quality of life goes to hell in a hand basket if anything bad happens to you. You get the flu, Ryan ends up with a decube. That’s the reality of your world. You MUST take breaks, go on vacation, get rest, and share the burden whenever and however you can. I know you know this in theory, but what are you doing about it? Remember: taking excellent care of yourself (including taking vacations) = better care for Ryan.

End of Mama rant. Again, my apologies. I just know that I needed someone mothering me (even when that mothering took the form of scolding) when I was more-or-less in your shoes.

Ken ,your blogs are “raw and real”You tell us your feelings and how Ryan is and that’s why we come back each day .I have been here for 6 months and will be here till there are no more and Ryan is all better.Pray for you all .love Gail

Ken~ The raw side keeps your anger, frustration, disgust and even humor a real insight into the daily emotions you feel. There is absolutely no shame in that. It is a powerful gift that you openly share your feelings with so many.

Ryan will always be relevant in my life and so many more lives. He truly is a gift from God to your family and so many others that know him or share your story. Please do not ever forget that he is loved by so many, from Ashburn to the United Kingdom. Regardless of what any doctor or nurse says in their “quest” to give you the “odd’s” on his recovery, he and your family are encircled by many people that pray and truly believe that he will fully recover. God will heal him, Ken. Please believe that. Much love, Jen

Relevent doesn’t feel like a strong enough word for what you and your family have become to us. You pop into my head so many times during a typical day. I often think about how your “normal” has changed. I realize we are all a phone call away from a life changing event. I would love to think of you all going to the beach for a couple of days but I’m sure the logistics must seem insurmountable. Wishing things were different….still here.